Sperry Top-Sider® Charleston Race Week 2014 — It's all About to Happen!
Charleston, South Carolina (April 5, 2014) — Get ready for an epic event. If you’re a veteran of this regatta, you know that we cram a lot of activity into four days, and that’s definitely going to be the case again this year. While you’re in Charleston, it’s easy to get caught up in the racing and miss some of the other things that are going on, so here’s a quick overview of some highlights for you to chew on as you make final preparations to participate in one of the year’s best regattas:
Don’t miss the daily debriefs by two-time America’s Cup winner, three-time world match racing champion and TP 52 luminary Ed Baird. Ed will be joined by Mitch Hall (Coach of the College of Charleston Sailing Team) on Thursday right before the skipper’s meeting to present some important tips on managing Charleston’s tricky tidal currents. Then, on the main stage after each day of racing, Ed will give a presentation based on his observations out on the race course. (That’s right, Big Brother is watching!)
Did you know that we’ve got some cool raffles going on? Torqueedo will be raffling off one of it’s amazing electric engines (the Torqueedo Travel 1003) on Saturday during the post race party. So stop by the Torqueedo booth at the Regatta Village before then to pick up your raffle ticket. (And, if you’re a Torqueedo owner, the company will have its main technician on hand Wed. and Thurs. to install a free software upgrade and cover any performance questions you may have.) Also, the good folks from Gosling’s Rum will be raffling off three very cool, 26-quart Dark-‘n-Stormy Orca Coolers. All you have to do to enter is fill out a quick survey that will be available on the iPads at the Gosling’s booth in the Regatta Village.
You’ll definitely want to check out the US Sailing Espresso Bar each morning, which will feature locally sourced and roasted coffee from Francisco Davila’s Signature Coffee (7:00-10:00 a.m. at the entrance to the Reel Bar behind the hotel).
And while you’re enjoying the post race parties, check out highlights from that day’s competition on the new Jumbotron on the beach. And don’t forget to check out the Sperry Top-Sider tent where you’ll not only find the latest high-tech sailing footwear and apparel, but at 6:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, you’ll be treated to video highlights of the on-the-water action as well.
On Saturday at 6:00, we’ve got something special planned – a team racing exhibition put on by the 2012 National Team Racing Champions from the College of Charleston. You can watch from the pier at the south end of the beach and enjoy live commentary by Brooks Clark and Cole Alsopp (members of that winning team). And, if you want to form a team of your own and participate, that’s cool, just get in touch with Zeke Horowitz (another member of that winning team) via email: Zhorowitz90@gmail.com
Don’t forget, this year we’re branching with multihulls. There will be a class of speedy trimarans sailing out there, so keep an eye out. These guys regularly cruise along at 20 knots on a reach.
And, once again, our daily and overall trophies have been crafted by local artist Fred Moore, who will be racing on the water in the Pursuit Class. Check out Fred’s amazing artistry on the stage (he mainly uses discarded aluminum masts and mast parts), and if you’re lucky, you can grab a Gosling’s Rum drink with him on the beach.
Did you know that Charleston Race Week will be the debut for Farr Yachts new Farr 280? To arrive in time, the boat is being flown in from Dubai where it was built. That’s nearly 9,000 miles away. Yow!
Of course there will be all kinds of informational and educational offerings from our sponsors, so check out their tents and booths at the Regatta Village. Here’s looking forward to seeing you all in Charleston.
Have a great weekend and here’s looking forward to another great edition of Sperry Top-Sider Charleston Race Week.(And if you can't be in Charleston, don't forget to follow the event on Facebook, and LIKE us!)
Cheers, from your friends in Charleston.
